kimsnothome

That is what I was told by the College of Nurses of Ontario two years ago. I would suggest that you to speak directly to them for your answers - who knows, things may have changed in the past two years. Good luck!

There are schools in Canada that offer bridging to a BSN for nurses like yourself who have an ADN and a non-nursing Bachelors. For REGISTRATION to practice in Ontario however, you require a Bachelors in Nursing. Period. I went through this myself with the Ontario board two years ago.

I have to chime in here and clarify that CNA's do not even remotely do everything but administer meds. When you start nursing school, your head will spin with all of the knowledge you are expected to have and all the responsibility that falls on your shoulders. That said, a bad CNA can make your life hell while a good one is worth their weight in gold. Also, a PSW is definitely more similar to a CNA/PCT (than an LPN) - it's simply that almost all healthcare related jobs in Canada require more education than is required in the US. Or at least it sure seems that way! :) Best of luck in your studies!

In the case of travel nursing, is a TN Visa tied to the agency or do you need to get a new visa for every contract, even if it's through the same agency?

Suzanne, are there any specific immigration lawyers with a nursing specialty that you would recommend? Thank you! Kim

Does anyone have any good or bad experience they can relate about Florida Hospital Orlando (Rollins Street)? I'm specifically looking at the OR, but am interested in any general feedback. Thanks in advance, Kim

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice, I really appreciate it! Kim

This is strictly observation only for one day during our peds rotation. It's all done very casually on the school's end (i.e.: "go to NICU today and observe"), so I think that traditionally students have shown up without a clue what to do or expect. Thank you!

Our nursing clinical group has a NICU observation day this semester. Apparently, the nurses on the unit have complained that students were unprepared when they came on to the floor, although we haven't really been told what WOULD make us more prepared. I was wondering if any NICU nurses had some tips or suggestions on what they expect or wish clinical students had been told before they arrived to the unit. Thanks! Kim

I'm looking at companies for California right now, would you mind posting the name of the company you were dealing with?

Thank you for the info!

Does anyone know of some good online RN-BSN programs, either in the US or Canada? Most of what I've found so far require on-campus attendance. I've been checking into the online program at UBC, but just got an email from them that indicates they are discontinuing their RN-BSN program.

The short answer is yes. Here is the Canada Student Loan program site: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/gateways/nav/top_nav/program/cslp.shtml Whichever province you decide to go to will likely administer separate student loans as well, and will have varying residency requirements. For example, here is the one for Ontario: http://osap.gov.on.ca/

A TN visa is a 1yr visa. In cannot be renewed or extended, you must get a 'new' TN visa every year by either going to the border or submitting paperwork via mail. A greencard is completely different, and although an employer may sponsor you for a greencard right away you will still need some sort of authorization to work while it is being processed. Most hospitals will have you get a TN or H1 visa and then will start the paperwork for a greencard. The greencard process is fast-tracked for nurses, and I've heard from others that it takes roughly 2 years from start to finish.

From what I understand, an ADN graduate would only qualify for an RPN license in Canada. To be an RN, you would need to completed a bridging program to get a BSN and most of these take roughly 2 years. I know that York University has one for internationally educated nurses. Hope this helps! Kim College of Nurses of Ontario: http://www.cno.org/international_en/index.html York University Nursing http://www.atkinson.yorku.ca/NURS/